The mum of one used sunbeds before a night out or a holiday and would sunbathe with little or no sun protection.

But at the end of 2008, she became aware of a mole on her back that had changed in colour.

After a few months she was referred to a dermatologist at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.

A biopsy revealed it was a malignant melanoma and the mole was removed.

A week later Jacqui, who lives in Bishopton, Renfrewshire, with hubby David, 34, and their son Jude, four, had a wider incision to remove surrounding tissue to make sure the cancer had not spread.

Jacqui, 32, said: “I sunbathed as a teenager and in my 20s. Although I wasn’t a regular sunbed user, I used sunbeds occasionally prior to nights out to make myself look good and have a ‘healthy’, tanned appearance.

“When I was diagnosed, I felt as though my life had been pulled from under me. I was completely naive and didn’t believe that this could happen to me.

“I’m not pale skinned and I don’t burn so I didn’t think that skin cancer would ever be an issue.

“I would warn anyone against using sunbeds as they are significantly increasing their risk of getting cancer.”

Three years on, there is no evidence that Jacqui’s cancer has returned and she no longer has to have regular check-ups.

Nicola Sturgeon said: “Jacqui’s story shows us that you don’t need to use sunbeds regularly to put yourself at risk.

“I hope people will use her experience as a warning and think before using sunbeds or going out in the sun without sunscreen.”